Author: Richard Rouse

What’s Happening on Main Streets

Thank heaven that Presidential elections and Olympiads aren’t held more frequently than in four year increments! If they were, the histrionics and hyperbole would have asphyxiated me by now. What constantly amazes me is that I find myself enthralled with…

What’s Happening on Main Streets

“Customers come in, look at me, and begin to cry. Naturally, that starts me crying too, which is the hardest part,” says 35-year-old Noelia Cruz when describing how several patrons reacted upon entering the subterranean A & C Hardware shop…

What’s Happening on Main Streets

Siberian shivering caused by bone chilling breezes closed out 2017, canceling many traditional First Night events at the Common and downtown. Nevertheless, the wintry weather cannot chill the hearts of Mission Hill neighbors who welcome the New Year and every…

What’s Happening on Main Streets

It’s that holiday season and once again, it’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas. Each year, I’m inundated by national Main Street groups promoting small-business Saturday (the biggest sales day for most small businesses), which is the day after…

What’s Happening on Main Streets

Each year, seasonal transformation prompts a marvel of nature with over 1.7 million wildebeests trekking the Serengeti performing their yearly migration. Our Mission Hill neighborhood undergoes a much smaller annual response each Sept. 1 when the students return on Move-In…

What’s Happening on Main Streets

Mission Hill Main Streets Awards night (continued) The evening exceeded expectations with remarkable presentations and dining delicacies prepared by Lilly’s Gourmet Pasta, Chacho’s, and the Laughing Monk Café. The cuisine is always a hit but this year’s awardees added to…

What’s Happening on Main Streets

Trees and flowers in full bloom, graduates emblazoned in their academic regalia, iridescent sunsets, Old Glory flapping in the breeze… Mission Hill suffuses color at this time of year. After viewing the Botticelli exhibit at the Museum of Fine Arts…